Launched in March, 1996, the RESCUER programme was a referral project designed to address the high maternal mortality rate in Uganda. Centred in the Iganga District, it worked in six health units and one referral hopsital to empower Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs). Uganda is one of the least urbanised countries in Africa. Over 80 percent of the population (which totals 20 million people) live in rural areas. Uganda's economy depends mainly on agriculture; women contribute 60-80 percent of the labour. Women's health, therefore, has vital social and economic implications for national development. In this context, it is notable that the maternal mortality rate among Ugandan women is 506/10,000. Sixty-two percent of births are attended by TBAs and relatives.